The San Antonio Express News and other Texas outlets are reporting the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

According to the Express News:

Associate Justice Antonin Scalia was found dead of apparent natural causes Saturday on a luxury resort in West Texas, federal officials said.

Scalia, 79, was a guest at the Cibolo Creek Ranch, a resort in the Big Bend region south of Marfa.

According to a report, Scalia arrived at the ranch on Friday and attended a private party with about 40 people. When he did not appear for breakfast, a person associated with the ranch went to his room and found a body.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has now confirmed the death in a statement, calling him “a man…

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The Supreme Court for the United States takes case involving the San Francisco Police Department’s shooting of a mentally disabled woman.

We have read the headlines and tweets about members of law enforcement using excessive force, even killing, people who are mentally ill. Yesterday, I volunteered for a research project. I’m retired but now realize even more why I enjoy taking on these projects — not only does it help professionals who help others, but I always learn from them.

While conducting the research, I discovered the following. It’s good news in the sense that organizations across America are now seeking a decision from the highest court in the nation involving police and the mentally ill. It’s San Francisco vs. Sheehan, case number 13-1412.

Theresa Sheehan lived in a group home in the Mission district and suffers from schizophrenia. In 2008, Theresa’s social worker contacted the police to carry out an involuntary psychiatric commitment. He alleged that Theresa threatened him with a knife.

Two cops arrived and entered Sheehan’s room. She threatened them as well. The two cops left and called for backup. However, before backup arrived, the officers broke down Theresa’s door, pepper sprayed her, and fired their guns 5 to 6 times. Theresa was shot but survived, needing two hip replacements as a result of being shot. Read the rest of this entry →

Boehner says the GOP will sue Obama, the Supreme Court blocks warrantless cellphone searches, and more

1. Republicans threaten to sue Obama
House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said lawmakers would vote next month on authorizing alawsuit against President Obama because they believe he has failed to carry out Congress’ laws on everything from health care to energy to foreign policy. The White House said it was “completely confident” Obama had always acted within his authority. Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) called the move a “desperate political stunt” to rile up the GOP base. [BBC News]

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2. Supreme Court protects cellphones from warrantless searches
The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that police cannot search the cellphone of an arrested suspect without a warrant. The sweeping, 9-0 decision marked a major victory for privacy advocates. Chief Justice John Roberts said it…